She added: "My priority will definitely be the preparedness of the armed forces. It is important that the armed forces receive all the attention in terms of getting necessary endowment and equipment to perform their duties with the best of equipment available".

"I will attend to all long-pending issues (related to defence), and in consultation with the Prime Minister and the cabinet... the Cabinet Committee on Security... and ensure that those issues get resolved," Sitharaman said.

"I shall ensure that all defence priorities are well attended to. I will be available round the clock."

"... Make in India in defence production is very important for India's defence capabilities... it is something that will be of great importance to us," she added.

Pointing out that India was one of the biggest defence equipment buyers in the world, Sitharaman said domestic defence production will receive a boost due to technology transfer to the country.

She said the welfare of soldiers and their families was also one of her top priorities. "Although I am saying this at the end, certainly not least in importance is the armed forces' families and their welfare."

"Soldiers (deployed) on the toughest border, challenging situations, should remain absolutely assured that their interests are being watched."

Sitharaman was elevated to the rank of a Cabinet Minister and given the key portfolio in Sunday' reshuffle of the Narendra Modi ministry.

However, Sitharaman could not take charge as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who had been holding the additional charge of defence, went on a visit to Japan for a bilateral dialogue on defence.

On Sunday, Jaitley had said that he was going to Japan for the meet even though ideally Sitharaman should have attended it but logistics arrangements at the last moment were not possible.

Nirmala Sitharaman takes charge as Defence Minister, says armed forces her first priorityDescription:Nirmala Sitharaman was elevated to the rank of a Cabinet Minister and given the key portfolio in Sunday' reshuffle of the Narendra Modi ministry.Times Now